Adam Walker
President
Adam R. Walker, a Portland resident and Funeral Director is owner of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home. He has over 15 years experience in the funeral industry. Adam has a genuine desire to serve each family with the highest consistent level of service excellence that Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes are known for. He is a naturally empathetic and understanding individual and is dedicated to providing compassionate care to families during what may be the worst time of their life. Adam recognizes the importance of active and positive community involvement. As such, he is on the board of the Maine Funeral Directors Association, a member of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus Council 101 and will be inducted into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. In addition, he is a former board member of Hospice of Southern Maine and The Center for Grieving Children. He and his family are communicants of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and they proudly support several community events, programs and organizations.
Outside of his service to our community, Adam is a family man. Whether it's boating, hiking or walking the beach, or watching the Patriots, he enjoys spending all of his free time with his wife, Caitlin, their daughter, Eleanor, and their beloved pooch, Newbie.
Adam Walker
President
Adam R. Walker, a Portland resident and Funeral Director is owner of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home. He has over 15 years experience in the funeral industry. Adam has a genuine desire to serve each family with the highest consistent level of service excellence that Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes are known for. He is a naturally empathetic and understanding individual and is dedicated to providing compassionate care to families during what may be the worst time of their life. Adam recognizes the importance of active and positive community involvement. As such, he is on the board of the Maine Funeral Directors Association, a member of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus Council 101 and will be inducted into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. In addition, he is a former board member of Hospice of Southern Maine and The Center for Grieving Children. He and his family are communicants of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and they proudly support several community events, programs and organizations.
Outside of his service to our community, Adam is a family man. Whether it's boating, hiking or walking the beach, or watching the Patriots, he enjoys spending all of his free time with his wife, Caitlin, their daughter, Eleanor, and their beloved pooch, Newbie.
Jason Smart
President-Elect
Jason K. Smart is an Old Town native and currently resides there with his family. With more than 20 years of experience in the funeral profession, his career has taken him from Old Town to Portland and now to serving the communities of Lincoln and Millinocket. Jason maintains a high level of professionalism and strives to treat every family with the same care and compassion that was once shown to his own family during a difficult loss.
Jason became a licensed funeral director in 2019 while working at Conroy-Tully Walker. Following the loss of his son in 2020, Jason and his family returned to Old Town to be closer to loved ones. He currently serves families at Bowers Funeral Home in Lincoln.
Jason and his wife, Ashley, are the proud parents of their son, Avery, and their daughters, Maizey and Hazel. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family, as well as hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors in any capacity.
Jason Smart
President-Elect
Jason K. Smart is an Old Town native and currently resides there with his family. With more than 20 years of experience in the funeral profession, his career has taken him from Old Town to Portland and now to serving the communities of Lincoln and Millinocket. Jason maintains a high level of professionalism and strives to treat every family with the same care and compassion that was once shown to his own family during a difficult loss.
Jason became a licensed funeral director in 2019 while working at Conroy-Tully Walker. Following the loss of his son in 2020, Jason and his family returned to Old Town to be closer to loved ones. He currently serves families at Bowers Funeral Home in Lincoln.
Jason and his wife, Ashley, are the proud parents of their son, Avery, and their daughters, Maizey and Hazel. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family, as well as hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors in any capacity.
Christopher Ladner
Immediate Past President
Christopher C. Ladner is a second-generation Maine Licensed Funeral Director and the managing director at Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick. He is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and also holds a B.A. from Colgate University and an M.A.L.S. from Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
Christopher is an active supporter of youth athletics and the performing arts within his community. He and his wife, Ann, gratefully make their home in Brunswick, where they share life with their five daughters and several beloved pets.
Christopher Ladner
Immediate Past President
Christopher C. Ladner is a second-generation Maine Licensed Funeral Director and the managing director at Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick. He is a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and also holds a B.A. from Colgate University and an M.A.L.S. from Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
Christopher is an active supporter of youth athletics and the performing arts within his community. He and his wife, Ann, gratefully make their home in Brunswick, where they share life with their five daughters and several beloved pets.
Lisa Pate
Treasurer
Lisa Pate became a Licensed Funeral Director with the State of Maine in 2017. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fine Mortuary College, where she also received the Dodge Corporation’s Restorative Art Award. Lisa previously graduated from Bentley College in 1987 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems and an Associate’s Degree in Management.
After college, Lisa worked at IDEXX Laboratories in Westbrook as a Human Resource Information Systems Analyst. She later transitioned to part-time work at Saco Valley Credit Union, where she spent more than 16 years while raising her children.
Lisa is an active member of the Saco community, including:
Saco Bay Rotary Club – Member
Buxton Garden Club – Member/Vice President
She lives in Saco with her husband, Jim, and their children, Jonathan and Katherine.
Lisa Pate
Treasurer
Lisa Pate became a Licensed Funeral Director with the State of Maine in 2017. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fine Mortuary College, where she also received the Dodge Corporation’s Restorative Art Award. Lisa previously graduated from Bentley College in 1987 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems and an Associate’s Degree in Management.
After college, Lisa worked at IDEXX Laboratories in Westbrook as a Human Resource Information Systems Analyst. She later transitioned to part-time work at Saco Valley Credit Union, where she spent more than 16 years while raising her children.
Lisa is an active member of the Saco community, including:
Saco Bay Rotary Club – Member
Buxton Garden Club – Member/Vice President
She lives in Saco with her husband, Jim, and their children, Jonathan and Katherine.
Erik Tiner
Secretary
Erik has served families in the funeral service profession since 2003, bringing experience in all aspects of funeral care. His decision to enter the funeral industry was inspired by the compassion and support shown to his own family during a time of loss. That experience left a lasting impression and shaped his commitment to providing comfort, dignity, and guidance to every family he serves.
Erik is a graduate of Lewiston High School, the Funeral Institute of the Northeast, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Kaplan University.
Deeply involved in his community, Erik is a member of the Auburn Masonic Lodge and The Links at Poland Spring. He has served as a former board member of the Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth and Make-A-Wish Maine. He is also a former board member and president of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce and continues to remain an active member. In addition, Erik is proud to serve as the head coach of the Lewiston High School golf team, his alma mater.
Erik is a proud father of three sons working in the Coast Guard, public service, and construction management. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, camping, and hiking with his wife and family, including their sons, grandson, twin granddaughters, and newest granddaughter in Kodiak, Alaska.
Erik Tiner
Secretary
Erik has served families in the funeral service profession since 2003, bringing experience in all aspects of funeral care. His decision to enter the funeral industry was inspired by the compassion and support shown to his own family during a time of loss. That experience left a lasting impression and shaped his commitment to providing comfort, dignity, and guidance to every family he serves.
Erik is a graduate of Lewiston High School, the Funeral Institute of the Northeast, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Kaplan University.
Deeply involved in his community, Erik is a member of the Auburn Masonic Lodge and The Links at Poland Spring. He has served as a former board member of the Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth and Make-A-Wish Maine. He is also a former board member and president of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce and continues to remain an active member. In addition, Erik is proud to serve as the head coach of the Lewiston High School golf team, his alma mater.
Erik is a proud father of three sons working in the Coast Guard, public service, and construction management. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, camping, and hiking with his wife and family, including their sons, grandson, twin granddaughters, and newest granddaughter in Kodiak, Alaska.
Brian Coffta
Board Member At Large
Brian and his wife Darcy grew up in Western New York and relocated to Maine over 23 years ago and now call Maine home. For over 10 years he worked for local independent funeral homes in southern Maine prior to joining the team at Jones, Rich and Barnes in Portland. Since joining the Dignity Memorial team Brian has worked in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts and he is happy to be back home in Maine where his heart is. Brian, his wife Darcy, and their son Benjamin enjoy family time fishing, boating, and summer beach days and on occasion, you may see him attempting to play golf. You may have seen Darcy and Ben in the past at several MFDA events. Brian is a past president of the Sanford/Springvale Rotary Club, a former member of the St. Thomas School Board, a parishioner of the St. Therese of Liseux Parish in Sanford, and volunteer for Waban Projects of Southern Maine. Brian is asking for the opportunity to serve the people of Maine and the great funeral directors that work here and promises that if elected his dedication will be to the funeral directors of Maine and the businesses they work in.
Brian Coffta
Board Member At Large
Brian and his wife Darcy grew up in Western New York and relocated to Maine over 23 years ago and now call Maine home. For over 10 years he worked for local independent funeral homes in southern Maine prior to joining the team at Jones, Rich and Barnes in Portland. Since joining the Dignity Memorial team Brian has worked in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts and he is happy to be back home in Maine where his heart is. Brian, his wife Darcy, and their son Benjamin enjoy family time fishing, boating, and summer beach days and on occasion, you may see him attempting to play golf. You may have seen Darcy and Ben in the past at several MFDA events. Brian is a past president of the Sanford/Springvale Rotary Club, a former member of the St. Thomas School Board, a parishioner of the St. Therese of Liseux Parish in Sanford, and volunteer for Waban Projects of Southern Maine. Brian is asking for the opportunity to serve the people of Maine and the great funeral directors that work here and promises that if elected his dedication will be to the funeral directors of Maine and the businesses they work in.
Shawn Descoteaux
Board Member At Large
Shawn Descoteaux is the Managing Director of Hope Memorial Chapel. A lifelong resident of Biddeford, he graduated from Biddeford High School before earning a degree from University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Amherst, MA. He started his career working at the University of New England in Biddeford, but always held a desire to work in funeral service to better help local families in a more direct way. After the death of his father in 2015, and with John Conroy and his family’s encouragement, he decided to change careers and attend American Academy McAllister to become a funeral director at the age of 39. He graduated with honors and has worked at Hope ever since, achieving his lifelong dream. After training with John for years, he was handpicked for the manager position. Outside of work, Shawn has been a long-time baseball coach. He was involved in the Biddeford High School varsity baseball program for over 20 years and coached the University of New England club baseball team. He is a member of Saco Bay Rotary, St. James School Board in Biddeford, and the Goodwins Mills Cemetery Association. In his spare time, he enjoys being a member of Dutch Elm Golf Course in Arundel, spending time with his family, and connecting with members of the community. Shawn married Celeste Gagne in 2001 and together have raised three children. The family lives in Biddeford and are members of the Good Shepherd Parish.
Shawn Descoteaux
Board Member At Large
Shawn Descoteaux is the Managing Director of Hope Memorial Chapel. A lifelong resident of Biddeford, he graduated from Biddeford High School before earning a degree from University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Amherst, MA. He started his career working at the University of New England in Biddeford, but always held a desire to work in funeral service to better help local families in a more direct way. After the death of his father in 2015, and with John Conroy and his family’s encouragement, he decided to change careers and attend American Academy McAllister to become a funeral director at the age of 39. He graduated with honors and has worked at Hope ever since, achieving his lifelong dream. After training with John for years, he was handpicked for the manager position. Outside of work, Shawn has been a long-time baseball coach. He was involved in the Biddeford High School varsity baseball program for over 20 years and coached the University of New England club baseball team. He is a member of Saco Bay Rotary, St. James School Board in Biddeford, and the Goodwins Mills Cemetery Association. In his spare time, he enjoys being a member of Dutch Elm Golf Course in Arundel, spending time with his family, and connecting with members of the community. Shawn married Celeste Gagne in 2001 and together have raised three children. The family lives in Biddeford and are members of the Good Shepherd Parish.
Joseph Kiley
Board Member At Large
Joe Kiley has worked in the family business for 30 years at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, with locations in Bangor and Brewer. He became licensed in the early 1990s and has been an MFDA member since that time. Joe is married to Heather Kiley, and together they have three children: Bryant, Andrew, and Sarah.
He graduated from the University of Maine in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He also received an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science from the New England Institute, graduating in 1989.
Joe’s uncle, Lawrence Kiley, established Kiley Funeral Home in 1963, where Joe worked from the mid-1980s until his uncle’s passing in 2011. He partnered with John Birmingham from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, operating as Kiley-Birmingham Funeral Home. He later worked with Frank Foley in Bangor (Foley Funeral Service) beginning in the early 1990s. Joe purchased Foley Funeral Service in 2007 and has since operated as Kiley & Foley Funeral Service.
In his free time, Joe enjoys attending his children’s sporting events and activities, making small batches of home brew, and playing in a recreational men’s ice hockey league to keep himself moving.
Joseph Kiley
Board Member At Large
Joe Kiley has worked in the family business for 30 years at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, with locations in Bangor and Brewer. He became licensed in the early 1990s and has been an MFDA member since that time. Joe is married to Heather Kiley, and together they have three children: Bryant, Andrew, and Sarah.
He graduated from the University of Maine in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He also received an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science from the New England Institute, graduating in 1989.
Joe’s uncle, Lawrence Kiley, established Kiley Funeral Home in 1963, where Joe worked from the mid-1980s until his uncle’s passing in 2011. He partnered with John Birmingham from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, operating as Kiley-Birmingham Funeral Home. He later worked with Frank Foley in Bangor (Foley Funeral Service) beginning in the early 1990s. Joe purchased Foley Funeral Service in 2007 and has since operated as Kiley & Foley Funeral Service.
In his free time, Joe enjoys attending his children’s sporting events and activities, making small batches of home brew, and playing in a recreational men’s ice hockey league to keep himself moving.
Eric Nelson
Board Member At Large
Eric Nelson, a Funeral Director and owner of Hall Funeral Home in Casco, Maine, has extensive experience in the funeral service industry, including previous work as a cemetery sexton and memorialist. Born in Bridgton and a graduate of Oxford Hills High School, Eric has served in funeral services for more than 25 years.
After earning his degree in Funeral Service from SUNY Canton, he returned to Maine and spent 15 years working with the Wiles family before moving back to the Oxford Hills and Lakes Region, where he reconnected with the community and continues to serve local families.
Eric is actively involved in civic organizations, including the Bridgton Lions Club and the Greater Bridgton Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys spending time at his camp in the Rangeley Lakes region and with his wife, Erin, and their sons, Sawyer and Cooper. Eric’s dedication to both his profession and his community is evident in his work and involvement.
Eric Nelson
Board Member At Large
Eric Nelson, a Funeral Director and owner of Hall Funeral Home in Casco, Maine, has extensive experience in the funeral service industry, including previous work as a cemetery sexton and memorialist. Born in Bridgton and a graduate of Oxford Hills High School, Eric has served in funeral services for more than 25 years.
After earning his degree in Funeral Service from SUNY Canton, he returned to Maine and spent 15 years working with the Wiles family before moving back to the Oxford Hills and Lakes Region, where he reconnected with the community and continues to serve local families.
Eric is actively involved in civic organizations, including the Bridgton Lions Club and the Greater Bridgton Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys spending time at his camp in the Rangeley Lakes region and with his wife, Erin, and their sons, Sawyer and Cooper. Eric’s dedication to both his profession and his community is evident in his work and involvement.
Casey Smith, CFSP
Board Member At Large
Casey Smith, CFSP, was raised in the funeral directing profession by his father, a lifelong funeral director. This early experience instilled in him a deep commitment to compassionately supporting families through the death, dying, and grieving process. Throughout his career, Casey has personally overseen funeral preparation needs, allowing families to focus on honoring their loved ones and beginning their journey toward healing.
Lifelong learning plays a vital role in adapting to a changing profession, and Casey is a dedicated and intentional student of his craft. As funeral practices evolve and the emotional needs of families become better understood, he continually seeks new ways to grow, improve, and better support the families he serves.
Casey is a graduate of Grand View University and Des Moines Area Community College. He has also completed graduate work in thanatology at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. In 2017, he earned the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. In addition to his work in funeral service, Casey has experience in the classroom, having served as a substitute instructor in the Des Moines Public School District.
He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and The American Guild of Organists.
Casey Smith, CFSP
Board Member At Large
Casey Smith, CFSP, was raised in the funeral directing profession by his father, a lifelong funeral director. This early experience instilled in him a deep commitment to compassionately supporting families through the death, dying, and grieving process. Throughout his career, Casey has personally overseen funeral preparation needs, allowing families to focus on honoring their loved ones and beginning their journey toward healing.
Lifelong learning plays a vital role in adapting to a changing profession, and Casey is a dedicated and intentional student of his craft. As funeral practices evolve and the emotional needs of families become better understood, he continually seeks new ways to grow, improve, and better support the families he serves.
Casey is a graduate of Grand View University and Des Moines Area Community College. He has also completed graduate work in thanatology at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. In 2017, he earned the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. In addition to his work in funeral service, Casey has experience in the classroom, having served as a substitute instructor in the Des Moines Public School District.
He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and The American Guild of Organists.